MIND the Gap: Evaluation of the MIND diet in relation to cognitive ageing

Prevention of dementia, with accelerated cognitive decline as one of the hallmark features, is considered a public health priority. Diet is considered an important intervention strategy for reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. However, evidence is still insufficient to determine which dietary patterns are most effective. The MIND diet is a promising, but relatively new dietary pattern. This thesis aimed to evaluate the applicability and scientific evidence of the MIND diet, with particular focus on the Dutch context. The findings of this thesis summarize the current evidence on the MIND diet and cognitive health, add new insights from the Dutch context, and explore a potential biological underlying mechanism through which the MIND diet may help to reduce cognitive decline. To further advance the field, additional research, particularly randomized clinical trials, is needed. Moreover, the influence of cultural context should be considered more explicitly when studying this food-based dietary pattern.